OYA Sobrato

OYA South County

OYA Washington

Phil Morales

OYA Principal

Phil Morales moved to the Bay Area from Orange County, California. He studied
theology and philosophy, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from
St. John's Seminary College in Camarillo, California. He proceeded to study
education and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education from San Jose State
University. Phil brings 16 years of progressive experience in the educational field.
His professional history includes positions such as Teacher, Academic Counselor,
Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and High School Principal. During this time,
Phil gained valuable insight on how to manage a school, design curriculum, and
implement school initiatives that focus on the academic and social/emotional needs
of his students. He has a deep passion for educating disengaged youth and young
adults.
Prior to a career in education, Phil was a law enforcement officer in Orange County,
Ca. He left law enforcement and entered seminary where he studied to become a
Roman Catholic Priest. These professional roles in law enforcement and religious
life have all led him to a life dedicated to service.

OYA Administrative Staff

Blanca Morales

School Office Coordinator

Blanca has 13 years with SCCOE and has played a supporting role to several SCCOE department programs, including Special Education, Alternative Education, and OYA. Blanca is happy to be part of a team that is truly making a difference in the Santa Clara County communities.

Steve Duong

Navigator

Steve was born and raised in East Side San Jose where he also experienced similar barriers as a high school student that OYA students face. Steve has been with the Opportunity Youth Academy since it first opened in 2015 and is passionate in guiding students to earn their high school diploma so they can reach their full potential as he did. Steve’s versatile background include teaching adult education in the evenings, working with individuals with mental health return to the workforce, counseling at-risk youth and their families to strengthen and preserve the family unit, mentoring high-risk gang impacted individuals live a more positive lifestyle and coaching basketball. Steve enjoys spending quality time with his family, is the biggest Kobe Bryant and Lakers fan out there, and going to the gym.

Erika Velasquez

Community Liaison

As the Community Liaison, Erika is in charge of student registrations, enrollment and outreach. Erika is originally from south central Los Angeles, but moved to the San Francisco bay area when she was a freshman at UC Berkeley. Erika has been working for the Santa Clara County Office of Education since OYA first opened in 2015.

Mildred Amayun

Navigator

Earned BA in Psychology from UCLA (Jaleel White (aka Steve Urkel), Danica McKellar (Winnie Cooper), Mayim Bialik (Blossom) and Baron Davis all had the honor of sharing classes with me haha).
15+ years working in the mental health field, supporting S/ED youths in residential and school settings.
Been with COE for 4 years, as a Job Development Specialist with AED and Navigator for OYA.
Enjoys napping, eating, singing (in the shower and car), Netflix, musicals, and slot machines.
Has a handful (literally) of kids ranging from 6 to 17.

Kipcia Jimenez-Mendoza

Academic Counselor

Kipcia has a Master's Degree in Educational Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. She worked with Santa Clara County for several years including at Juvenile Hall, James Ranch and Community Schools.

The Opportunity Youth Academy is a member of the Santa Clara County Opportunity Youth Partnership.